Supporting the Development of Concentration

As Montessori educators, we believe that it is essential for children to develop the skill of concentration, control, and coordinated movements during the first six years of life. These skills lead to the child’s ability to self-manage, self-regulate and focus on the tasks. This is part of what makes learning fun for the child! 

There are various ways to strengthen a child’s concentration in a Montessori environment. Our classroom begins every child’s journey with practical life activities such as pouring, food prep, washing a table, polishing, and sewing. These materials allow the child to complete activities they see adults doing in their everyday environments. At the same time, these activities are designed to help the children develop the ability to focus, concentrate and stay on task. 

What can you do at home to support concentration? This article titled Supporting the Development of Concentration offers parents and educators many helpful tips. See below for a brief list that you can begin incorporating today: 

• Put down the devices and engage your child in day-to-day activities (washing dishes, folding clothes, preparing meals) with minimal distractions 
• Support an environment that is not overstimulating
• Refrain from interrupting your child if they’re focused on an activity (not even to say “great work” or “tell me about this work”)
• Fewer options are better! Wherever possible, remove the clutter and offer 5-8 meaningful and age-appropriate activities instead.
• Model concentration: show your child how to concentrate on tasks without distractions or multitasking

Teaching a child how to concentrate and offering the opportunities and environment to support is a gift to your child. We work on this daily in class and hope you’ll also extend this into your home.

Link to the article:

https://www.montessori.org/supporting-the-development-of-concentration/

-Grasshopper